Prostate Enlargement

The prostate gland, which is normally about the size and shape of a walnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and
the rectum, below the bladder. In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces urine
through the narrowed urethra by contracting more powerfully. As a result, the bladder muscle may become more sensitive, causing
a need to urinate more often and more suddenly.
The prostate grows larger due to an increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia). However, the precise reason for this increase is unknown.
A variety of factors may be involved, including androgens (male hormones), estrogens, growth factors and other cell signaling pathways.

Enlarged Prostate Symptoms and Causes

In men, urine flows from the bladder through the urethra. BPH is a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate that blocks the flow of
urine through the urethra. The prostate cells gradually multiply, creating an enlargement that puts pressure on the urethra - the "chute" through
which urine and semen exit the body.

As the urethra narrows, the bladder has to contract more forcefully to push urine through the body.
Over time, the bladder muscle may gradually become stronger, thicker, and overly sensitive; it begins to contract even when it contains small
amounts of urine, causing a need to urinate frequently. Eventually, the bladder muscle cannot overcome the effect of the narrowed urethra so
urine remains in the bladder and it is not completely emptied.

Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include:

A weak or slow urinary stream.

A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

Difficulty starting urination.

Frequent urination.

Urgency to urinate.

Getting up frequently at night to urinate.

A urinary stream that starts and stops.

Straining to urinate.

Continued dribbling of urine.

Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing.

When the bladder does not empty completely, you become at risk for developing urinary tract infections. Other serious problems can also develop
over time, including bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence, and acute urinary retention (an inability to urinate). A sudden and complete
inability to urinate is a medical emergency; you should see your doctor immediately. In rare cases, bladder and/orkidney damage can develop from
BPH.